Complete Guide to Windows Server 2019: Practical Steps for Success

Author: Shrihith Anantharam

Introduction

Welcome to the Windows Server 2019 Administration Guide. In the dynamic world of technology, Windows Server 2019 shines as a powerful and adaptable platform, crafted to fulfil the diverse needs of contemporary businesses and IT infrastructures. This all-encompassing guide is designed to equip you with a profound understanding of Windows Server 2019's features, tools, and capabilities, empowering you to manage and administer your server environments with ease and efficiency.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is tailored for IT professionals, system administrators, and anyone engaged in managing Windows Server environments. Whether you're a newcomer eager to delve into server administration or a seasoned expert aiming to refine your skills, this book provides invaluable insights and practical knowledge to propel your success.

What You Will Learn

Embark on a journey through the multifaceted world of Windows Server 2019 administration, where you will:

Set Up and Configure Servers: Master the installation and configuration of Windows Server 2019, including its core components and administration tools.
Manage Identity Services: Learn to deploy and manage Active Directory Domain Services, Group Policy, and integrate with Azure AD.
Network Infrastructure: Acquire expertise in deploying and managing DHCP, DNS, and configuring network settings.
File Servers and Storage: Delve into the complexities of configuring file servers, managing storage, and implementing DFS and SMB.
Virtualization and Containers: Discover virtualization with Hyper-V and containerization using Windows Containers.
High Availability and Disaster Recovery: Implement failover clustering, backup solutions, and disaster recovery strategies.
Security Features: Enforce security policies, auditing, and encryption to safeguard critical resources.
Remote Desktop Services: Establish and manage a virtual machine-based desktop infrastructure for remote access.
Service and Performance Monitoring: Utilize Performance Monitor, Event Viewer, and other tools for monitoring and troubleshooting.
Upgrades and Migrations: Conduct upgrades and migrations related to AD DS and storage.
System Backup and Restore: Configure and manage backup and restore solutions to ensure data integrity.
Advanced Administration: Apply advanced administration techniques and troubleshoot common issues.
Automation: Harness PowerShell and Task Scheduler to automate administrative tasks.
Server Migration and Modernization: Strategize and execute server migrations and integrate cloud services.

How to Use This Guide

Each module in this guide is meticulously crafted to be comprehensive and practical, featuring step-by-step instructions, real-world examples, and hands-on labs. By engaging with the exercises and practice tasks, you will gain a thorough understanding of each topic and be able to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Final Thoughts

As you navigate through this guide, you will cultivate the skills necessary to effectively manage and maintain Windows Server 2019 environments. Embrace the challenges, explore the features, and harness the power of Windows Server 2019 to advance your IT infrastructure. Let's embark on this journey and unlock the full potential of Windows Server 2019 together!

Module 1: Windows Server Administration Overview

Topic: Overview of Windows Server Administration Principles and Tools

Description: This section introduces the foundational concepts of Windows Server 2019, including Windows Server Core and the Windows Admin Center.

Practical Lab: Setting Up and Configuring Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Download and Install Windows Server 2019

Download the ISO File: Visit the official Microsoft website to download the Windows Server 2019 ISO file.
Create Bootable Media: Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive from the ISO file.
Boot from USB: Insert the USB drive into your computer and boot from it.
Start Installation: Follow the installation wizard to select the edition (Standard GUI) and partition the disk.

Step 2: Install Windows Server 2019

Language and Region: Select your preferred language, time, currency format, and keyboard layout.
Install Now: Click "Install Now" to begin the installation process.
Select Edition: Choose "Windows Server 2019 Standard" and click "Next."
Accept License Terms: Read and accept the license terms.
Custom Installation: Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."
Select Partition: Choose the partition where you want to install Windows Server 2019.
Complete Installation: Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 3: Configure Initial Settings

Set Administrator Password: Create a strong password for the administrator account.
Network Settings: Configure network settings, including IP address, DNS, and default gateway.
Time Zone: Set the correct time zone and date.
Restart: Restart the server to apply the changes.

Step 4: Install Windows Updates

Open Server Manager: Access Server Manager from the Start menu.
Check for Updates: Click on "Manage" and select "Add Roles and Features" to check for updates.
Install Updates: Install all available updates to ensure your server is up to date.

Step 5: Install VMware Tools

Open VMware Workstation: Launch VMware Workstation and select the virtual machine.
Install VMware Tools: Click on the "VM" menu and select "Install VMware Tools."
Restart VM: Restart the virtual machine to complete the installation.

Step 6: Manage Virtual Machine Settings

Power Management: Use the power button in VMware Workstation to start, stop, and restart the virtual machine.
Snapshot Management: Create snapshots to save the current state of the virtual machine.
Clone VM: Use the clone feature to create copies of the virtual machine.

Step 7: Configure Network and Shared Folders

Network Settings: Configure network adapters and settings in VMware Workstation.
Enable Shared Folders: Use VMware Tools to enable shared folders between the host and guest operating systems.

Step 8: Practice Task

Create User Account: Create a new user account and assign administrative privileges.
Configure Remote Desktop: Enable Remote Desktop and test remote access from another computer.

Module 2: Identity Services in Windows Server

Topic: Deploying Windows Server Domain Controllers

Description: This section covers the implementation of Group Policy, Active Directory Certificate Services, and Azure AD integration.

Practical Lab: Deploying and Configuring Domain Controllers in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Install Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Open Server Manager: Click on the Start menu, search for Server Manager, and open it.
Add Roles and Features: In Server Manager, click on Manage and then Add Roles and Features. Follow the wizard and select Role-based or feature-based installation.
Select Server: Choose the local server or the server you want to install AD DS on and click Next.
Select Active Directory Domain Services: Check the Active Directory Domain Services box. A pop-up window will appear to add required features. Click Add Features and then Next.
Install AD DS: Complete the wizard and click Install. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 2: Configure Active Directory Domain Services

Promote Server to Domain Controller: After the installation is complete, click on Promote this server to a domain controller.
Deployment Configuration: Choose Add a new forest and enter your root domain name (e.g., contoso.com). Click Next.
Domain Controller Options: Select the Forest functional level and Domain functional level (choose the highest available). Enter a Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) password and click Next.
DNS Options: Click Next on the DNS options page.
Additional Options: Verify the NetBIOS domain name and click Next.
Paths: Specify the location of the AD database, log files, and SYSVOL folder, or use the default paths and click Next.
Review Options and Install: Review the options and click Next. Click Install to complete the promotion.

Step 3: Implement Group Policy

Open Group Policy Management: In Server Manager, go to Tools and select Group Policy Management.
Create a New GPO: Right-click on your domain or Organizational Unit (OU) and select Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here. Enter a name for the new GPO and click OK.
Edit GPO: Right-click the newly created GPO and select Edit. Configure the policies as needed.

Step 4: Install and Configure Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)

Add Roles and Features: Open Server Manager, click on Manage, and select Add Roles and Features. Follow the wizard to add the Active Directory Certificate Services role.
Configure AD CS: After installation, click on Configure Active Directory Certificate Services on the destination server. Follow the wizard to configure the roles (Certification Authority, Certification Authority Web Enrollment, etc.). Select the credentials, specify the type of CA (Standalone or Enterprise), and configure the CA name and validity period.

Step 5: Integrate with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)

Set up Azure AD Connect: Download and install Azure AD Connect on your server. Open Azure AD Connect and select Express settings or Custom settings based on your requirements. Follow the wizard to connect your on-premises AD with Azure AD.

Practice Task: Create and Manage User Accounts

Create a User Account: Open Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) from Server Manager. Navigate to the desired OU, right-click, and select New > User. Enter user details and follow the wizard to create the user.
Assign Group Memberships: Right-click the user account, select Properties, go to the Member Of tab, and add the user to the necessary groups.
Configure Group Policies: Link a Group Policy Object (GPO) to the OU where the user resides and configure the necessary policies.

Module 3: Network Infrastructure Services

Topic: Deploying and Managing DHCP

Description: This section focuses on managing DNS, IP Addressing, and Name Resolution.

Practical Lab: Deploying and Managing DHCP in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Install the DHCP Role

Open Server Manager: Click on the Start menu, search for Server Manager, and open it.
Add Roles and Features: In Server Manager, click on Manage and then Add Roles and Features. Follow the wizard and select Role-based or feature-based installation.
Select Server: Choose the local server or the server you want to install the DHCP role on and click Next.
Select DHCP Server: Check the DHCP Server box. A pop-up window will appear to add required features. Click Add Features and then Next.
Install DHCP: Complete the wizard and click Install. Wait for the installation to complete.

Step 2: Configure DHCP

Open DHCP Management Console: After the installation is complete, open DHCP from the Tools menu in Server Manager.
Create a New Scope: Right-click on IPv4 and select New Scope. Follow the New Scope Wizard to create a new DHCP scope:

Step 3: Manage DNS

Open DNS Manager: Open DNS Manager from the Tools menu in Server Manager.
Configure Forward Lookup Zones: Right-click on Forward Lookup Zones and select New Zone. Follow the New Zone Wizard to create a new zone:
Add DNS Records: Right-click on the new zone and select New Host (A or AAAA). Enter the host name and IP address, then click Add Host.

Step 4: Configure IP Addressing

Set Static IP Addresses: For servers and critical infrastructure, configure static IP addresses to ensure they remain constant. Open Network and Sharing Center, select Change adapter settings, right-click on the network adapter, and select Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties. Set the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers manually.

Step 5: Name Resolution with DNS and WINS

Enable and Configure WINS (if necessary): In cases where legacy systems require WINS, ensure it is installed and configured. Open Server Manager, add the WINS feature, and configure it as needed.
Manage DNS Records: Regularly update and manage DNS records to ensure proper name resolution within the network. Use DNS Manager to add, remove, or update DNS records.

Step 6: Monitor and Manage DHCP and DNS

Monitor DHCP Leases: Open the DHCP Management Console, navigate to the Address Leases node, and monitor the assigned leases.
Check DNS Resolution: Use tools like nslookup and ping to verify DNS name resolution.
Audit and Troubleshoot: Regularly audit DHCP and DNS logs for any issues or discrepancies. Use Event Viewer and built-in diagnostic tools to troubleshoot problems.

Practice Task: Configure a New DHCP Scope and DNS Zone

Create a New DHCP Scope: Follow the steps to create a new DHCP scope for a different subnet or VLAN.
Create a New DNS Zone: Follow the steps to create a new DNS zone and add DNS records for the new scope.

Module 4: File Servers and Storage

Topic: Configuring File Servers and Storage

Description: This section covers the implementation of File and Storage Services, including DFS and SMB.

Practical Lab: Configuring File Servers and Storage in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Install File Server Role

Open Server Manager: Click on the Start menu, search for Server Manager, and open it.
Add Roles and Features: In Server Manager, click on Manage and then Add Roles and Features. Follow the wizard and select Role-based or feature-based installation.
Select Server: Choose the local server or the server you want to install the file server role on and click Next.
Select File and Storage Services: Expand File and Storage Services, then File and iSCSI Services, and check File Server. Click Next and then Install to complete the installation.

Step 2: Configure SMB File Shares

Open File and Storage Services: In Server Manager, click on File and Storage Services on the left pane. Select Shares from the submenu.
Create a New Share: Click on Tasks and select New Share. Choose the share profile based on your needs (e.g., SMB Share - Quick). Click Next.
Specify Share Location: Choose a volume and specify the folder where the share will be created. Click Next.
Configure Share Settings: Enter a name for the share and configure share settings (e.g., enable access-based enumeration, encrypt data access). Click Next.
Configure Permissions: Set permissions for the share by clicking on Customize permissions. Add or remove users and groups as needed and set the appropriate permissions. Click OK and then Next.
Confirm and Create: Review the settings and click Create to complete the process.

Step 3: Implementing Distributed File System (DFS)

Install DFS Roles: Open Server Manager, click on Manage, and select Add Roles and Features. Follow the wizard and expand File and Storage Services, then File and iSCSI Services. Check DFS Namespaces and DFS Replication, then click Next and Install.
Configure DFS Namespace: In Server Manager, go to Tools and open DFS Management. Right-click on Namespaces and select New Namespace. Enter the name of the server that will host the namespace and click Next. Enter a name for the namespace and follow the wizard to configure the namespace.
Add Folder Targets: Right-click on the new namespace and select New Folder. Enter a name for the folder and add folder targets by specifying the path to shared folders. Click OK to complete the process.
Configure DFS Replication: In DFS Management, right-click on Replication and select New Replication Group. Choose the replication group type and follow the wizard to configure replication settings. Add members and specify folders to replicate.

Step 4: Configure Quotas and File Screening

Install FSRM: Open Server Manager, click on Manage, and select Add Roles and Features. Follow the wizard and expand File and Storage Services, then File and iSCSI Services. Check File Server Resource Manager (FSRM), then click Next and Install.
Open FSRM: In Server Manager, go to Tools and open File Server Resource Manager.
Configure Quotas: In FSRM, right-click on Quota Management and select Create Quota. Choose a folder to apply the quota and configure quota properties (e.g., limit size, notifications). Click Create.
Configure File Screening: In FSRM, right-click on File Screening Management and select Create File Screen. Choose a folder to apply the file screen and configure file screening properties (e.g., block certain file types). Click Create.

Practice Task: Create SMB Share and Configure DFS Namespace

Create a New SMB Share: Follow the steps to create a new SMB share for a specific department or project.
Configure DFS Namespace: Set up a new DFS namespace and add folder targets for shared resources.

Module 5: Virtualization and Containers

Topic: Managing Virtual Machines Using Hyper-V

Description: Implementing Virtualization and Containerization with Hyper-V and Windows Containers.

Practical Lab: Managing Virtual Machines and Containers in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Install Hyper-V Role

Open Server Manager:
Add Roles and Features:
Select Server:
Select Hyper-V:
Configure Hyper-V:

Step 2: Configure Hyper-V

Open Hyper-V Manager:
Create a Virtual Switch:
Create a New Virtual Machine:
Start and Configure the VM:

Step 3: Implementing Containers in Windows Server 2019

Install Containers Feature:
Install Docker:
Verify Docker Installation:

Step 4: Managing Virtual Machines and Containers

Create and Run Docker Containers:
Manage Hyper-V Virtual Machines:
Monitor Performance:

Practice Task: Create and Manage VMs and Containers

Create a New VM:
Run a Docker Container:

Module 6: High Availability and Disaster Recovery

Topic: Implementing High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solutions

Description: Configuring Failover Clustering and Backup Solutions.

Practical Lab: Implementing High Availability and Disaster Recovery in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Install Failover Clustering Feature

Open Server Manager:
Add Roles and Features:
Select Server:
Select Failover Clustering:
Install Failover Clustering:

Step 2: Validate Cluster Configuration

Open Failover Cluster Manager:
Validate Configuration:

Step 3: Create a Failover Cluster

Create a Cluster:
Add Storage:

Step 4: Configure Cluster Roles

Add Cluster Roles:
Manage Failover Settings:

Step 5: Implement Backup Solutions

Install Windows Server Backup:
Configure Backup Schedule:
Perform One-Time Backup:

Step 6: Test Failover and Recovery

Simulate Failover:
Test Backup and Restore:

Practice Task: Configure a Failover Cluster and Implement Backup

Create a Failover Cluster:
Configure Backup Schedule:

Module 7: Security Features

Topic: Applying Security Features to Protect Critical Resources

Description: Implementing Security Policies, Auditing, and Encryption.

Practical Lab: Applying Security Features in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Implement Security Policies

Open Group Policy Management:
Create a New Group Policy Object (GPO):
Edit the GPO:

Step 2: Configure Auditing

Enable Auditing via Group Policy:
Set Up File and Folder Auditing:

Step 3: Implement Encryption

Enable BitLocker Drive Encryption:
Configure Encrypting File System (EFS):

Step 4: Implementing Security Baselines

Download Security Compliance Toolkit:
Import Security Baselines:
Apply Security Baselines:

Step 5: Configure Windows Defender

Open Windows Security:
Configure Windows Defender Settings:
Enable Controlled Folder Access:

Practice Task: Apply Security Features and Configure Auditing

Create a New GPO for Security Policies:
Set Up Auditing for a Shared Folder:
Enable BitLocker on a Drive:

Module 8: Remote Desktop Services

Topic: Configuring Remote Desktop Services

Description: Setting Up and Managing a Virtual Machine-Based Desktop Infrastructure.

Practical Lab: Configuring Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Install Remote Desktop Services Role

Open Server Manager:
Add Roles and Features:
Select Server:
Select Remote Desktop Services:
Install Remote Desktop Services:

Step 2: Configure Remote Desktop Services

Open Remote Desktop Services Configuration:
Deploying a Standard Deployment:
Configure Licensing:

Step 3: Set Up Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH)

Add RD Session Host:
Install Applications:

Step 4: Configure Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway)

Add RD Gateway:
Configure Gateway Settings:

Step 5: Configure Remote Desktop Web Access (RD Web Access)

Add RD Web Access:
Configure Web Access Settings:

Step 6: Configure Remote Desktop Connection Broker (RD Connection Broker)

Add RD Connection Broker:
Configure High Availability:

Step 7: Monitor and Manage Remote Desktop Services

Monitor RDS Performance:
Manage User Sessions:
Update and Maintain Servers:

Practice Task: Configure a Remote Desktop Environment

Set Up a Remote Desktop Session Host:
Configure RD Gateway and Web Access:

Module 9: Remote Access and Web Services

Topic: Implementing Remote Access and Web Services

Description: Configuring VPN, DirectAccess, and Web Services.

Practical Lab: Implementing Remote Access and Web Services in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Configuring VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Install Remote Access Role:
Configure VPN:
Set Up VPN Clients:

Step 2: Configuring DirectAccess

Add DirectAccess Configuration:
Configure Group Policy for DirectAccess:

Step 3: Configuring Web Services (IIS)

Install Web Server (IIS) Role:
Configure IIS:
Configure Website Settings:

Step 4: Monitoring and Managing Remote Access and Web Services

Monitor VPN and DirectAccess:
Monitor IIS Performance:
Manage User Access:

Practice Task: Configure a VPN and Web Services

Set Up a VPN:
Create a Website in IIS:

Module 10: Service Monitoring and Performance Monitoring

Topic: Implementing Service Monitoring and Performance Monitoring

Description: Using Performance Monitor and Other Tools to Monitor and Troubleshoot Services.

Practical Lab: Implementing Service Monitoring and Performance Monitoring in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Using Performance Monitor

Open Performance Monitor:
Add Performance Counters:
Create Data Collector Sets:

Step 2: Using Event Viewer

Open Event Viewer:
Navigate Event Logs:
Create Custom Views:

Step 3: Using Resource Monitor

Open Resource Monitor:
Monitor System Resources:
Analyze Performance:

Step 4: Using Task Manager

Open Task Manager:
Monitor Processes and Applications:
Analyze Performance:
Manage Startup Programs:

Step 5: Using Windows Admin Center for Monitoring

Install Windows Admin Center:
Monitor Server Performance:
Analyze and Troubleshoot Issues:

Step 6: Implementing Alerts and Notifications

Configure Alerts in Performance Monitor:
Set Up Event Log Alerts:

Practice Task: Monitor and Troubleshoot a Performance Issue

Create a Data Collector Set in Performance Monitor:
Analyze Event Logs for Errors and Warnings:
Optimize System Performance:

Module 11: Upgrades and Migrations

Topic: Performing Upgrades and Migrations Related to AD DS and Storage

Description: Upgrading from Previous Windows Server Versions and Migrating Data.

Practical Lab: Performing Upgrades and Migrations in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Preparing for an Upgrade

Check System Requirements:
Backup Data:
Review Upgrade Paths:

Step 2: Performing In-Place Upgrade

Insert Installation Media:
Run Setup.exe:
Choose Upgrade Option:
Complete Installation:

Step 3: Migrating Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

Prepare the New Server:
Install AD DS Role:
Promote the New Server to Domain Controller:
Transfer FSMO Roles:
Demote the Old Domain Controller:

Step 4: Migrating File Server Data

Prepare the New Server:
Install File Server Role:
Use Storage Migration Service:
Validate Migration:

Step 5: Post-Migration Tasks

Verify Functionality:
Update Documentation:
Monitor Performance:
Decommission Old Server:

Practice Task: Upgrade a Domain Controller and Migrate File Server Data

Perform In-Place Upgrade:
Migrate File Server Data:

Module 12: Advanced Administration and Troubleshooting

Topic: Advanced Administration and Troubleshooting

Description: Implementing Advanced Administration Techniques and Troubleshooting Common Issues.

Practical Lab: Advanced Administration and Troubleshooting in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Implementing PowerShell for Advanced Administration

Open PowerShell:
Basic PowerShell Commands:
Advanced Scripting:

Step 2: Configuring Advanced Network Settings

Configure NIC Teaming:
Configure Network Load Balancing (NLB):

Step 3: Implementing and Managing WSUS

Install Windows Server Update Services (WSUS):
Configure WSUS:
Deploy Updates Using WSUS:

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Troubleshoot Network Issues:
Troubleshoot Service Failures:
Troubleshoot Disk and Storage Issues:

Step 5: Implementing Advanced Security Settings

Configure Advanced Firewall Settings:
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

Practice Task: Perform Advanced Administration and Troubleshooting

Create and Execute a PowerShell Script:
Configure NIC Teaming and NLB:
Deploy Updates Using WSUS:
Troubleshoot a Service Failure:

Module 13: System Backup and Restore

Topic: Implementing Backup and Restore Solutions

Description: Configuring and Managing Windows Server Backup, and Restoring Data.

Practical Lab: Implementing Backup and Restore Solutions in Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Install Windows Server Backup Feature

Open Server Manager:
Add Roles and Features:
Select Server:
Select Windows Server Backup:

Step 2: Configure Windows Server Backup

Open Windows Server Backup:
Set Up Backup Schedule:
Perform One-Time Backup:

Step 3: Restore Data Using Windows Server Backup

Open Windows Server Backup:
Initiate Restore:

Step 4: Implementing Advanced Backup Solutions

Configure System State Backup:
Use PowerShell for Backup:

Step 5: Testing Backup and Restore

Verify Backup Completeness:
Simulate Data Loss:

Practice Task: Configure and Test Backup and Restore

Set Up a Regular Backup Schedule:
Perform a One-Time Backup:
Test Data Restoration:

Module 14: Windows Server Migration and Modernization

Topic: Migrating and Modernizing Windows Server Infrastructure

Description: Planning and Executing Windows Server Migrations and Integrating Cloud Services.

Practical Lab: Migrating and Modernizing Windows Server Infrastructure

Step 1: Assessing the Current Environment

Inventory Current Infrastructure:
Analyze Compatibility:

Step 2: Planning the Migration

Develop a Migration Plan:
Choose Migration Tools:

Step 3: Preparing for Migration

Install Windows Server Migration Tools:
Prepare Source and Destination Servers:

Step 4: Migrating Roles and Features

Export Roles and Features from Source Server:
Import Roles and Features on Destination Server:

Step 5: Migrating Data Using Storage Migration Service

Install Storage Migration Service:
Set Up Migration Job:
Validate Migration:

Step 6: Integrating Cloud Services

Set Up Azure Migrate:
Plan and Execute Migration to Azure:
Optimize and Secure Azure Resources:

Practice Task: Plan and Execute a Server Migration

Create a Migration Plan:
Perform Data Migration:
Integrate Cloud Services:

Module 15: Automating Windows Server Administration

Topic: Automating Administration with PowerShell and Task Scheduler

Description: Using PowerShell Scripts and Task Scheduler to Automate Administrative Tasks.

Practical Lab: Automating Windows Server Administration

Step 1: Writing PowerShell Scripts for Automation

Open PowerShell ISE:
Create a PowerShell Script:
Save the Script:

Step 2: Running PowerShell Scripts

Set Execution Policy:
Run the Script:

Step 3: Scheduling Tasks with Task Scheduler

Open Task Scheduler:
Create a Basic Task:
Set Trigger:
Set Action:
Finish:

Step 4: Using Advanced Task Scheduler Options

Create a Task with Advanced Options:
General Tab:
Triggers Tab:
Actions Tab:
Conditions Tab:
Settings Tab:

Step 5: Monitoring and Managing Scheduled Tasks

View Scheduled Tasks:
Edit or Delete Tasks:
Check Task History:

Practice Task: Automate a Daily Backup Task

Write a PowerShell Script for Backup:
Schedule the Backup Task:

Basic Questions

What is the difference between a primary, extended, and logical partition?
Can you explain the difference between basic and dynamic disks?
What is diskpart and how do you use it?
How do you extend a partition in Windows Server?
How do you shrink a partition in Windows Server?
What is RAID and what are the different RAID levels?
What is the purpose of the Windows Registry?
How do you create a new user account in Active Directory?
What is the difference between a domain and a forest in Active Directory?
What is DNS and what is its role in a network?

Intermediate Questions

How do you configure a static IP address on a Windows Server?
What are the steps to install and configure Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)?
How do you set up a VPN on a Windows Server?
What is Group Policy and how do you use it to manage user settings?
How do you perform a backup and restore of a Windows Server?
What are the steps to install and configure DHCP on a Windows Server?
How do you monitor server performance using Performance Monitor?
What is the difference between Windows Server Standard and Datacenter editions?
How do you troubleshoot network connectivity issues on a Windows Server?
What is the purpose of Windows Updates and how do you manage them?

Advanced Questions

How do you implement and manage Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)?
What are the steps to set up and configure a Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server?
How do you configure and manage Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC)?
What are the best practices for securing a Windows Server environment?
How do you implement and manage BitLocker Drive Encryption on a Windows Server?
What are the steps to set up and configure a Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environment?
How do you configure and manage Windows Server Backup?
What are the steps to set up and configure a Hyper-V environment on a Windows Server?
How do you implement and manage Network Access Protection (NAP) on a Windows Server?
What are the steps to set up and configure a Windows Server Essentials experience?

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide to Windows Server 2019 Administration! Throughout these modules, you've gained hands-on experience with a wide range of tasks, from setting up and configuring servers to implementing high availability, security features, and automation. With the skills and knowledge you've acquired, you'll be well-equipped to manage and maintain Windows Server 2019 environments effectively. Remember, continuous learning and practice are key to mastering server administration. Keep exploring new features, tools, and best practices to stay ahead in your IT career. If you have any further questions or need additional resources, don't hesitate to reach out. Happy administering!